Kerry
The Matt family consisted of the Mother Kerry and three children Sarah, Carl and Harley.
1. Why was it easier for the family to keep Kerry’s family name ‘Matt’?
2. Why did Carl save up his money? What does this tell you about Carl?
3. How does Carl view himself?
Sarah
1. Why was the vegetable patch “he and his mother planted in those first hopeful weeks” important to Carl? (p7)
2. What might have happened for Carl to refer to it as “the sad vegie patch”? (p7)
Aunt Beryl
1. Carl describes the journey as taking Harley and him “further into dislocation.”(p12) What does ‘dislocation’ mean and what people, places and things have they been dislocated from?
2. Find a quote that shows Carl knew they would not be returning home in the near future. (p 13)
3. What is your initial impression of Beryl?
4. How does she demonstrate her lack of care for her nephews?
Wattle Beach
1. Why was Carl disappointed when he followed the beautiful girl on to the beach?
2. Find a quote which shows Carl is lonely.
3. Compare the two girls we are introduced to in this chapter.
Harley
1. What is Harley accused of doing?
2. What evidence is there of discrimination against the ‘Matt family’ by Nugent?
3. Despite Harley’s tough exterior what evidence is there that he is sad about his mother’s absence?
4. Why does Carl wish he was a concrete statue?
5. How does Carl protect Harley from Beryl?
6. What convinces Beryl to let the boys stay? What does this tell you about Beryl?
The Cafe
1. Give specific reasons why Carl would say “What am I, a local or a visitor?”
2. How do the boys tease Justine?
3. What impression do you get about Nathan and Maddie’s relationship from the quote “..the arm of a handsome boy around her like a